Most brain injuries are caused by forceful trauma to the head. A simple bump or blow can result in a disruption in the way that a person’s brain functions. Other types involve no direct trauma to the head at all. In either case, the injuries are known as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Closed and Open

The two most common causes of accidental traumatic brain injuries that our Waukegan brain injury lawyers represent clients in are motor vehicle crashes and falls. Those falls might involve slips, trips, and falls from heights. The injuries might be closed or open. A closed brain injury might be a result of whiplash action when the brain is slammed into the sides of the skull. With open brain injuries, there is penetration into the brain from bone or a foreign object. In either case, the brain injury can be serious and the consequences profound.

Assessing the TBI

The severity of a TBI is measured by an assessment known as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The lower that the score might be, the more severe the TBI is. The higher that the GCS is, the less severe the TBI is. For example, a GCS assessment between three and eight indicates a severe brain injury. If the assessment is at 13 to 15, a mild TBI is indicated.

Even a mild TBI can be especially dangerous if it’s followed by another TBI during the recovery period. A person who suffers a severe TBI is likely to require overwhelming costs of medical treatment, a lengthy period of rehabilitation, and permanent consequences.

If you or a member of your family suffered a TBI in or around Lake County that was caused by the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, contact a Waukegan brain injury lawyer at Ryan Ryan & Viglione as soon as possible at 847-244- 1436 to arrange for a free consultation and case assessment. You can also use our easy contact form at ryanryanviglione.com. We want you to tell us what happened and how it happened. We’ll be prepared to answer your questions and advise you on all of your legal alternatives.